Black Woman in STEM Reflection:
A few months back I shared my reflection about being a Black woman in STEM. This is also one of the reasons I started The NEXT Scientist, a platform that is committed to supporting the next generation of scientists, especially underrepresented groups in STEM. Here you will find tools, resources, stories and insights. My goal is to share and pay it forward.
My STEM journey has been filled with ups and downs. Despite the challenges, I learned to be resilient and explore the possibilities. I encourage you to do the same. Mademoiselle Scientist is a community that wants you to thrive and have a seat at the table. As a double minority I have faced many microaggressions and I know I am not alone here. Let’s come together to change the narrative of what a scientist looks like and can do. We have the power to do so and make a change now. By mentoring young girls and exposing them to STEM together we can increase the number of women in STEM. I want to see everyone who wants a career in STEM to have access to do it. This process starts early, right before we even become adults.
Do what matters
To me creating The NEXT Scientists is being authentically myself. This is my space to publish my content, share my narrative, and create a space to let others know this is what a scientist looks like. Even though there have been challenges along the way, each challenge gave me time to grow, learn and reflect. It also showed me that I will not put myself in a box and that all my identies matter. I am a Black woman, scientist, science communicator, and STEM education advocate. The work I do reflects that and I invite anyone who supports this to work with me. Together we can support the next generation of scientists and make science accessible to all.
I am proud of being a Black woman in STEM and grateful that younger generations of future scientists do not have to look for scientists who look like them. With the creation of #BlackandSTEM and #BlackInX I see scientists who look like me represented in more STEM careers I could ever imagine.
My advice for girls who want to pursue STEM is to keep learning. There will be obstacles, challenges and some all-nighter study sessions, but you will make it. There will be courses you take that may have you question if a STEM career is for you, but you will make it. Keep your eyes on your goals and you will succeed. Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot do something because you are a girl.
#WomenInSTEM #BlackWomenInSTEM #BlackandSTEM